Position sensitive suspension damping with an active valve

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for position sensitive dampening with an active valve. In one aspect a fluid damper is provided comprising a damper chamber divided by a piston into a primary compression and a primary rebound chamber; a secondary compression chamber in fluid communication with the damper chamber; and an active valve controlling fluid flow out of the secondary compression chamber.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of the co-pending patent application Ser. No. 16/105,639, Attorney Docket Number FOX-0024US.CON3 entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR POSITION SENSITIVE SUSPENSION DAMPING,” with filing date Aug. 20, 2018, by Christopher Paul Cox, which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference.

The application with Ser. No. 16/105,639 claims priority to and is a continuation of the patent application Ser. No. 15/056,940, now Issued U.S. Pat. No. 10,054,185, Attorney Docket Number FOX-0024US.CON2 entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR POSITION SENSITIVE SUSPENSION DAMPING,” with filing date Feb. 29, 2016, by Christopher Paul Cox, which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference.

The application with Ser. No. 15/056,940 claims priority to and is a continuation of the patent application Ser. No. 14/022,030, now Issued U.S. Pat. No. 9,303,712, Attorney Docket Number FOX-0024US.CON entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR POSITION SENSITIVE SUSPENSION DAMPING,” with filing date Sep. 9, 2013, by Christopher Paul Cox, which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference.

The application with Ser. No. 14/022,030 claims priority to and is a continuation of the patent application Ser. No. 12/463,927, now Issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,550,223, Attorney Docket Number FOXF/0024 entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR POSITION SENSITIVE SUSPENSION DAMPING,” with filing date May 11, 2009, by Christopher Paul Cox, which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference.

The application with Ser. No. 12/463,927 claims priority to the patent application, Ser. No. 61/052,150, Attorney Docket Number FOXF/0024L entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR POSITION SENSITIVE SUSPENSION DAMPING,” with filing date May 9, 2008, by Christopher Paul Cox, which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference.

This application is a continuation-in-part application of and claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/042,563, filed on Jul. 23, 2018, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN ADJUSTABLE DAMPER” by Ericksen et al., assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOX-P7-22-14-US.DIV.CON, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The application with Ser. No. 16/042,563 is a continuation application of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/275,078, now Issued U.S. Pat. No. 10,040,329, filed on Sep. 23, 2016, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN ADJUSTABLE DAMPER” by Ericksen et al., assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOX-P7-22-14-US.DIV, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The application with Ser. No. 15/275,078 is a divisional application of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/466,831, now Issued U.S. Pat. No. 9,452,654, filed on Aug. 22, 2014, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN ADJUSTABLE DAMPER” by Ericksen et al., assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOX-P7-22-14-US, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The application with Ser. No. 14/466,831 is a continuation-in-part application of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/251,446, filed on Apr. 11, 2014, now Issued U.S. Pat. No. 10,047,817, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTABLE DAMPER” by Ericksen et al., assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOX-P2-11-14-US, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/251,446 is a continuation-in-part application of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/934,067, filed on Jul. 2, 2013, now Issued U.S. Pat. No. 10,060,499, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTABLE DAMPER” by Ericksen et al., assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOX-0065US, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The application with Ser. No. 13/934,067 is a continuation-in-part application of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/843,704, now Issued U.S. Pat. No. 9,033,122, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTABLE DAMPER” by Ericksen et al., assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOX-P10-02-12-US, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The application with Ser. No. 13/843,704, claims the benefit of and claims priority of co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/709,041, filed on Oct. 2, 2012, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN ADJUSTABLE DAMPER” by Ericksen et al., assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOX-P10-02-12.PRO, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The application with Ser. No. 13/843,704, claims priority of co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/667,327, filed on Jul. 2, 2012, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN ADJUSTABLE DAMPER” by Ericksen et al., assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOXF/0065USL, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The application with Ser. No. 14/251,446 is a continuation-in-part application of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/485,401, now Abandoned, filed on May 31, 2012, entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR POSITION SENSITIVE SUSPENSION DAMPING” by Ericksen et al., assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOXF/0055US, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The application with Ser. No. 13/485,401 claims the benefit of and claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/491,858, filed on May 31, 2011, entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR POSITION SENSITVE SUSPENSION DAMPENING” by Ericksen et al., assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOXF/0055USL, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The application with Ser. No. 13/485,401 claims the benefit of and claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/645,465, filed on May 10, 2012, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN ADJUSTABLE DAMPER” by Cox et al., assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOX-P5-10-12.PRO, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The application with Ser. No. 14/251,446 is a continuation-in-part application of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/684,072, now Abandoned, filed on Jan. 7, 2010, entitled “REMOTELY OPERATED BYPASS FOR A SUSPENSION DAMPER” by John Marking, assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOXF/0032US, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The application with Ser. No. 12/684,072 claims the benefit of and claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/143,152, filed on Jan. 7, 2009, entitled “REMOTE BYPASS LOCK-OUT” by John Marking, assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOXF/0032L, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The application with Ser. No. 14/251,446 is a continuation-in-part application of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/189,216, now Issued U.S. Pat. No. 9,239,090, filed on Jul. 22, 2011, entitled “SUSPENSION DAMPER WITH REMOTELY-OPERABLE VALVE” by John Marking, assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOXF/0049USP1, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The application with Ser. No. 13/189,216 is a continuation-in-part application of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/010,697, now Issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,857,580, filed on Jan. 20, 2011, entitled “REMOTELY OPERATED BYPASS FOR A SUSPENSION DAMPER” by John Marking, assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOXF/0043USP1, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The application with Ser. No. 13/010,697 claims the benefit of and claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/296,826, filed on Jan. 20, 2010, entitled “BYPASS LOCK-OUT VALVE FOR A SUSPENSION DAMPER” by John Marking, assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOXF/0043USL, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The application with Ser. No. 13/189,216 is a continuation-in-part application of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/175,244, now Issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,627,932, filed on Jul. 1, 2011, entitled “BYPASS FOR A SUSPENSION DAMPER” by John Marking, assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOXF/0047USP1, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The application with Ser. No. 13/175,244 claims the benefit of and claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/361,127, filed on Jul. 2, 2010, entitled “BYPASS LOCK-OUT VALVE FOR A SUSPENSION DAMPER” by John Marking, assigned to the assignee of the present application, having Attorney Docket No. FOXF/0047USL, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for use in vehicle suspension. Particular embodiments of the invention relate to methods and apparatus useful for variable and position sensitive dampening rate in vehicle shock absorbers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle suspension systems typically include a spring component or components and a dampening component or components. Typically, mechanical springs, such as helical springs are used with some type of viscous fluid-based dampening mechanism and the two are mounted functionally in parallel. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shock absorber 100, typically used as a rear shock absorber for a motorcycle and fixable at an upper end with a mounting eye 105 to a main frame of a cycle and at a lower end with another mounting eye 110 to a link system beneath a swinging arm. The link system (not shown) is designed to leverage the suspension so that initially the suspension feels soft but feels progressively firmer as the shock absorber is compressed further. The shock absorber of FIG. 1 includes a helical spring 115, a damper housing 120 with a piston and chamber (not shown) and an external reservoir 125 having a floating piston (not shown) and pressurized gas to compensate for a reduction in volume in the main damper chamber of the shock absorber as the piston shaft 130 moves into the damper body. Fluid communication between the main chamber of the damper and the external reservoir 125 may be via a flow channel including an adjustable needle valve. In its basic form, the damper works in conjunction with the helical spring and controls the speed of movement of the piston shaft by metering incompressible fluid from one side of the damper piston to the other, and additionally from the main chamber to the reservoir, during a compression stroke (and in reverse during the rebound or extension stroke).

Various refinements have been made to shock absorbers like the one shown in FIG. 1 to enhance theft performance. One continuing problem is that of a “bottom out” condition where the dampening piston becomes completely retracted due to compressive forces brought about by terrain and the weight of a rider. Additionally problematic is the fact that the dampening fluid typically increases in temperature during use. A “bottom out” dampener that may be initially set up to be effective at higher dampening fluid temperature will often be too stiff at lower temperatures during initial stages of use (noting that the shock fluid temperature may never even rise to an ideal temperature) creating a harsh ride and poor vehicle handling characteristics. A dampener that works well and initially doesn't bottom out too hard may begin to bottom out as the dampening fluid becomes heated and correspondingly less viscous during use or extended use.

To avoid bottom out, various means have been utilized to increase dampening in a position-sensitive manner whereby the dampening increases as the piston nears the end of a compressive stroke. In one example, illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,771 (which patent is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety), a shock absorber includes an additional piston located at an end of the piston shaft and designed to enter a completely closed cup-shaped member as the shock absorber approaches complete compression. The arrangement adds an additional fluid metering dampening piston and therefore additional dampening, as the shock nears the end of its stroke.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,958, which is also incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, provides an increase in dampening as the shock is compressed by using a pin and hole arrangement. As illustrated in FIG. 1 of the '958 patent, the piston has an aperture formed in its center and the aperture serves as a fluid path during a first portion of the shock's compression stroke. As the piston moves nearer the bottom out position, a pin mounted at a bottom end of the damper chamber contacts the aperture and prevents further fluid communication. In this manner, dampening is increased by eliminating a metering path for the fluid.

While the forging patents teach structures for increasing dampening in the final stages of a shock absorber's compression stroke, none provide a complete and automatically adjustable system through the use of an active valve secondary dampening arrangement. None of the foregoing teachings suggest any way that bottom out dampening features can be readily adjusted during a ride or “on the fly” so to state. What is needed is a dampening system that will prevent or mitigate “bottom out” and that can be adjusted as a ride, and corresponding use of the shock absorber, progresses. What is needed is a bottom out mitigation system that can be adjusted to account for dampening fluid temperature changes during use. What is needed is a readily accessible and active valve secondary dampening arrangement and method for its use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are generally related to methods and apparatus for use in vehicle suspension. Particular embodiments relate to methods and apparatus useful in position sensitive dampening in a shock absorber for a motorcycle. In one aspect, a fluid damper is provided comprising a damper chamber divided by a piston into a primary compression and a primary rebound chamber. A secondary compression chamber is in fluid communication with the damper chamber and an adjustable fluid meter controls fluid flow out of the secondary compression chamber. In another embodiment, a bottom out cup is provided at a lower end of a damper chamber for operation in conjunction with a bottom out piston. As the bottom out piston enters and seals the cup, increased dampening takes place as the path of fluid from the cup back into the compression chamber of the shock is limited, in one embodiment, to a blow-off valve and/or an active valve. In another embodiment, communication is selectively permitted between fluid in the sealed bottom out cup and the rebound portion of the damper chamber via a fluid path(s) formed in the interior of the piston shaft. In one embodiment, the fluid path in the piston shaft is controlled with a reversible check valve that will permit, in one setting, fluid communication only during the rebound stoke of the piston and shaft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rear shock absorber including a damper, external reservoir and helical spring.

FIG. 2 is a section view showing a shock absorber with a dampening assembly having a secondary, bottom out dampening assembly.

FIG. 3A is a section view showing a bottom out piston entering a bottom out cup during a compression stroke of a shock absorber.

FIG. 3B is a section view showing the bottom out cup of FIG. 3A with the bottom out piston fully engaged and sealed therein.

FIG. 3C is a section view of the bottom out cup of FIGS. 3A & 3B showing a blow-off valve and an active valve in communication with the bottom out cup.

FIG. 3D is a similar view as shown in FIG. 3C showing a blow-off valve and an active valve having a second configuration in communication with the bottom out cup.

FIG. 4A is a section view showing the bottom out piston being removed from the cup and a piston shaft having a fluid path formed in its interior for providing fluid communication between the bottom out cup and the rebound portion of the dampening chamber during the rebound stroke.

FIG. 4B is a section view similar to FIG. 4A with an active valve having a second configuration for controlling the bottom out and a reservoir, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4C is a section view similar to FIG. 4A with a non-active valve controlling the bottom out an active valve having a second configuration for controlling flow to the reservoir, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4D is a section view similar to FIG. 4A with an active valve having a second configuration for controlling the bottom out and second active valve controlling the flow to a reservoir, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a control arrangement for an active valve, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a control system based upon any or all of vehicle speed, damper rod speed, and damper rod position, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged section view showing an active bottom out valve and a plurality of valve operating cylinders in selective communication with an annular piston surface of the valve, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an embodiment for an active bottom out valve operation scheme, in accordance with an embodiment.

The drawings referred to in this description should be understood as not being drawn to scale except if specifically noted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration of the present invention, and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In some instances, well known methods, procedures, objects, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure.

In the following discussion, the term “active” means adjustable, electronic, manipulatable, etc. while “passive” means fixed or not changeable. Thus, an active valve is a valve which automatically adjusts itself based on characteristics of the vehicle, the suspension, received user input, or the like, in which the valve is used.

FIG. 2 is a section view showing a dampening assembly 200 of a shock absorber shown in an axially extended position. A dampening piston 210 is fixed relative to a shaft 215, both of which are axially movable relative to a housing or chamber 220. The piston 210 is equipped with fluid paths therethrough to permit dampening fluid within the chamber 220 to be metered through the piston 210. For example, when the shaft 215 moves into the chamber 220, fluid moves from a first side (the compression portion) to an opposite side (the rebound portion) of the chamber 220 through the paths formed in the piston 210. Additionally, fluid must move through a flow path from the chamber 220 into the external reservoir 125, thereby causing a reservoir floating piston to compress a gas chamber in the external reservoir 125. A configuration of a side reservoir, including a floating piston, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,374,028 which patent is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

Also visible in FIG. 2 is a bottom out control feature. In one embodiment, the bottom out control feature utilizes a bottom out piston 250 connected at the end of the shaft 215 and spaced from the dampening piston 210. The bottom out piston is constructed and arranged to engage a bottom out cup 275 formed at the lower end of the chamber 220. As will be explained herein in more detail, the bottom out cup and bottom out piston operate with various dampening devices including a pressure relief or “blow-off” valve and an active valve to provide bottom out control.

However, various bottom out control features (both similar to the bottom out cup described herein, and using other bottom out control layouts, parts, systems, etc.) have been utilized in different shock set-ups such as those discussed in mountain bike forums, shock setup forums, and patents including U.S. Pat. No. 8,550,223 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, the utilization of an active valve 350 to control any type of fluid flow pathways in a bottom out control feature has not been implemented prior to this disclosure. Moreover, the active valve 350, although described herein in a method of operation and design is not limited to the embodiment of a bottom out control feature using a bottom out cup, but could be easily added to any fluid flow pathway(s) that are a part of a bottom out control feature, system, or setup.

Example Active Bottom Out Valve

The active valve 350, in accordance with embodiments, includes a nipple 370, a body 355, and mating threads 390. In brief, body 355 is rotationally engaged with the nipple 370. A male hex member extends from an end of the body 355 into a female hex profile bore formed in the nipple 370. Such engagement transmits rotation from the body 355 to the nipple 370 while allowing axial displacement of the nipple 370 relative to the body 355. Therefore, while the body does not axially move upon rotation, the threaded nipple 370 interacts with mating threads 390 formed on an inside diameter of the bore to transmit axial motion, resulting from rotation and based on the pitch of the threads 390, of the nipple 370 towards and away from an orifice 400 and between a closed and fully open positions. Of note, depending on the movement of the body 355, the nipple 370 may occupy a position within respect to orifice 400 such that nipple 370 completely blocks orifice 400, partially blocks orifice 400, or does not block orifice 400 at all.

For example, active valve 350, when open, permits a first flow rate of the working fluid through orifice 400. In contrast, when active valve 350 is partially closed, a second flow rate of the working fluid though orifice 400 occurs. The second flow rate is less than the first flow rate but greater than no flow rate. When active valve 350 is completely closed, the flow rate of the working fluid though orifice 400 is statistically zero.

In one embodiment, instead of (or in addition to) restricting the flow through orifice 400, active valve 350 can vary a flow rate through an inlet or outlet passage within the active valve 350, itself. See, as an example, the electronic valve of FIGS. 2-4 of U.S. Pat. No. 9,353,818 which is incorporated by reference herein, in its entirety, as further example of different types of “electronic” or “active” valves). Thus, the active valve 350, can be used to meter the working fluid flow (e.g., control the rate of working fluid flow) with/or without adjusting the flow rate through orifice 400.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2-4D, due to the active valve 350 (or 450) arrangement, a relatively small solenoid (using relatively low amounts of power) can generate relatively large damping forces. Furthermore, due to incompressible fluid inside the dampening assembly 200, damping occurs as the distance between nipple 370 and orifice 400 is reduced. The result is a controllable damping rate. Certain active valve features are described and shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,120,362; 8,627,932; 8,857,580; 9,033,122; and 9,239,090 which are incorporated herein, in their entirety, by reference.

It should be appreciated that when the body 355 rotates in a reverse direction than that described above and herein, the nipple 370 moves away from orifice 490 providing at least a partially opened fluid path.

FIG. 3A is a section view showing the bottom out piston 250 entering the bottom out cup 275 during a compression stroke of the shock absorber. The direction of movement of the piston 250 is illustrated by arrow 280. The bottom out piston includes a piston ring or piston seal 251 for axially slideable engagement with an inner diameter of the bottom out cup 275. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the upper end of the bottom out cup has a diameter that tapers outwards (i.e. larger) permitting, initially in the stroke, some fluid to pass through an annular area formed between the bottom out piston seal 251 and the inner diameter of the cup 275. The piston by-pass flow of fluid through the annular area and into a compression portion 222 of chamber 220 is illustrated by arrow 281.

FIG. 3B is a section view showing the bottom out cup 275 of FIG. 3A with the bottom out piston 250 fully engaged therein. As the piston completely engages the cup 275, dampening is increased because the shaft 215 can only progress further as fluid (e.g. substantially incompressible) is moved from the bottom out cup through one of two flow paths (e.g., flow path 301, and flow path 302) leading back into the compression portion 222 of chamber 220 (and ultimately also into external reservoir 125 if one is used).

FIG. 3B also shows various adjustable dampening mechanisms that work in conjunction with the bottom out cup and piston. At an end of flow path 301 is a pressure relief or “blow-off” valve 300, a high-speed compression circuit that operates at a blow-off threshold, typically due to a relatively rapid event like the rapid compression of the shock absorber. The blow-off valve 300 selectively allows fluid flow from the bottom out cup 275 to the compression portion 222 of chamber 220 at shaft speeds (in the direction of arrow 280) that create fluid pressures within the bottom out cup above the blow-off threshold pressure during engagement of piston 250 with bottom out cup 275. The blow-off valve generally comprises a valve opening, a blow-off valve 300 (or piston) and a compression spring 305. The blow-off pressure is determined by a combination of the spring rate of the spring 305, the preload on the spring 305 and the area of the blow-off valve 300 that is subject to fluid pressure from the bottom out cup 275. When fluid pressure in the cup rises above the predetermined (e.g. preset) threshold, the piston is forced away from the piston seat and allows fluid to flow through the valve opening and into the compression portion 222, thus lowering the pressure within the bottom out cup 275. The blow-off valve 300 is primarily a safety device and is typically set to crack or “blow-off”, thereby allowing fluid flow into the compression portion of chamber 220, at a pressure that is relatively high but still low enough to prevent excess pressure build up in the bottom out cup 275 from damaging the shock or the vehicle in which the shock is integrated.

Visible in FIGS. 3A-D, at an end of fluid flow path 302 is an active valve 350. Active valve 350 is operable to provide an easily and readily adjustable dampening feature operable with the bottom out cup 275 and piston 250. In FIGS. 3A-B the active valve 350 is shown in an open position whereby fluid may flow through an orifice 400. In FIGS. 3C-D, the valve is shown in a closed position wherein orifice 400 is fully obstructed. The active valve 350 is disposed in a bore formed in the damper housing cap. The active valve 350 assembly consists of a solenoid 506 (of FIG. 5), body 355, nipple 379, and mating threads 390.

In one embodiment, the active valve 350 is a live valve. That is, one or more of components of active valve 350 (e.g., body 355, nipple 379, mating threads 390, or the like) will be actuated automatically based on actual terrain conditions. In operation of the active valve 350, a solenoid electronically turns body 355. As body 355 is turned, the indexing ring 360 consisting of two opposing, outwardly spring-biased balls 380 rotates among indentions formed on an inside diameter of a lock ring 354. The interaction between the balls and the indentions locks the body 355 at each rotational location until the balls 380 are urged out of the indentations by additional rotational force input provided to body 355. The result is that the body 355 will index at various points of its rotation so that positioning of the body 355, and the corresponding setting of active valve 350, is maintained against vibration of the shock and the vehicle while in use.

As the body 355 rotates, so does the valve or nipple 370 at an opposite end of the valve from the head. The body 355 is rotationally engaged with the nipple 370. A male hex member extends from an end of the body 355 into a female hex profile bore formed in the nipple 370. Such engagement transmits rotation from the body 355 to the nipple 370 while allowing axial displacement of the nipple 370 relative to the body 355. Therefore, while the body does not axially move upon rotation, the threaded nipple 370 interacts with mating threads 390 formed on an inside diameter of the bore to transmit axial motion, resulting from rotation and based on the pitch of the threads 390, of the nipple 370 towards and away from an orifice 400 and between a closed and fully open positions.

In one embodiment, the live operation includes an active signal received by a receiver at active valve 350 from a computing device. For example, the user would have an app on a smart phone (or other computing device) and would control the settings via the app. Thus, when the user wanted to adjust the flowrate of the fluid through orifice 400, they would provide the proper command from the computing device and it would be received at active valve 350 which would then automatically operate body 355 causing nipple 370, to close, open, partially close, or partially open orifice 400 to meter the fluid flow.

In operation, the blow-off valve 300 and active valve 350 operate independently of each other but each is designed to permit fluid to pass from the bottom out cup 275 to the compression portion 222 of the chamber 220 in order to lessen the increase in dampening effect (i.e. the “increase” being over that due to the piston 210 and the external reservoir 125 during the majority of the compression stroke) when the bottom out piston 250 engages the bottom out cup. Even when active valve 350 is completely closed with no fluid entering the compression portion of the chamber through the metering active valve 350 (i.e. the bottom out dampening rate is very high), the dampening rate will decrease to some extent when a threshold pressure of blow-off valve 300 is reached, thereby opening blow-off valve 300 and allowing fluid to flow from the bottom out cup 275 to the compression portion of the chamber 220 via flow path 302 and independently of orifice 400.

FIG. 3D is a similar view as shown in FIG. 3C showing a blow-off valve and an active valve having a second configuration in communication with the bottom out cup. FIG. 3D illustrates a section view similar to that of FIG. 3C. As such, and for purposes of clarity, only the differences between FIGS. 3C-3D will be discussed.

FIG. 3D shows an active valve that is operable to provide an easily and readily adjustable dampening feature operable with the bottom out cup 275 and piston 250 with another embodiment of an active valve 450 (as shown in detail in FIG. 7) which is a different configuration than active valve 350, but which operates in the same overall manner and with the same processes as described with respect to FIGS. 3A-C, except that the control of the fluid flow is performed through active valve 450 as it passes through orifice 400.

FIG. 4A is a section view showing the shaft 215 with another dampening mechanism operable in conjunction with the bottom out cup 275 and piston 250 and also to operate prior to engagement of the piston in the cup. As indicated by movement direction arrow 465 in FIG. 4A, the bottom out piston 250 is shown being removed from the bottom out cup 275. In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the shaft 215 includes a fluid path formed in its interior and provides for fluid communication between the bottom out cup 275 and a rebound portion 221 of the chamber 220 during the rebound stroke. The path and direction of flow in the embodiment is illustrated by arrow 465. The path winds through a bore in the shaft that is formed coaxially with the centerline of the shaft. At one end, the fluid path including 475, terminates at a lower end of the bottom out piston 250 and at an upper end, the path terminates at an aperture(s) 460 intersecting the path designated by arrow 465 and leading into the chamber 220.

An adjustment mechanism described herein in relation to FIG. 2, and terminating in bullet shaped member (e.g. adjustable needle valve) 231 permits the volume of fluid flow, upon opening of the check valve 475, to be set by a user. As shown in FIG. 2, shaft 215 includes a mounting eye 225 (or clevis) at one end thereof. The mounting eye 225 includes a valve adjuster 230 which is user-adjustable and movable in and out (e.g. by threaded engagement) of the eye in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of shaft 215. Shaft 215 also includes a coaxially mounted shaft 235 therein, where shaft 235 is axially movable relative to shaft 215. An end 232 of valve adjuster 230 contacts an end of shaft 235 and rotational movement of valve adjuster 230 causes axial movement of shaft 235 relative to shaft 215. Such axial movement of shaft 235 changes the position of a needle valve 231 inside the shaft and thereby adjusts the low speed fluid flow rate and maximum fluid flow rate though the piston shaft (in the direction that is not blocked by a check valve 475) and thereby allows manual adjustment of the dampening rate.

In addition to a fluid path, the shaft 215 of the embodiment is provided with an adjustable and reversible check valve 475 installed at an upper end of the path and permitting fluid to selectively move in one direction while preventing fluid from moving in an opposite direction. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, fluid is only permitted to move toward the lower end of the bottom out piston 250 (as indicated by arrow 465) and is checked in the reverse direction. The check valve 475 is spring loaded to open at a predetermined (set) fluid pressure in the direction of permitted flow (the direction shown by arrow 465). Varying spring preload will vary the fluid pressure at which the check valve is set to crack.

In one embodiment, as shown, dampening of the shock absorber is reduced in the extending or rebound direction, because the fluid flow through the shaft permits a quicker extension or “rebound” of the shaft by permitting an additional volume of fluid to move from the rebound portion 221 of the chamber 220 to the region below the bottom out piston 250 (which, following bottom out, flows into the bottom out cup below piston 250), thus reducing force required to retract the bottom out piston 250 from the cup 275 and therefore, the shaft 215 and permitting a quicker extension. In another embodiment, not shown, the check valve 475 is reversed and dampening on the compression stroke is reduced by the allowance of additional fluid flow through the shaft 215 and along path designated by arrow 465 but in an opposite direction from the one shown in FIG. 4A as direction of arrow 465. Reversing the check valve from the shown embodiment results in the valve member 476 and seat 477 being oriented towards the bottom out piston.

In order to facilitate easy reversal and adjustment of the check valve, the bore of shaft 215 is provided with threads to accept a check valve cartridge 485. The check valve cartridge 485 is further secured within the shaft 215 by a threaded nut 486. The check valve cartridge 485 and the nut 486 are flush or below flush relative to the lower end of the shaft 215 and fit therein without additional shaft diameter or length, so that there is no interference with the interface between or operation or assembly of the piston 250 and the shaft 215. The shaft 215 having the provision for a modular check valve cartridge 485 allows for other interchangeable valve configurations without modifying surrounding hardware. For instance, the check valve cartridge 485 may be equipped with fluid flow resistors (chokes), filters or other micro-fluidic devices as, for example, are illustrated in The Lee Company Technical Hydraulic Handbook, which is copyright 1996 by The Lee Company and entirely incorporated by reference herein, or any suitable combination of the foregoing as may be desirable for the tailoring of flowing fluid characteristics. Further, the inclusion of such cartridge check valve requires no additional length in the overall shaft 215/piston 250 assembly.

In one embodiment the damping assembly 200 and bottom out feature are configured and operated, at the user's discretion, without the check valve 475 (or check valve cartridge 485) installed. In that embodiment fluid may flow along the path designated by arrow 465 in either direction, thereby reducing dampening characteristics in both the rebound and compression strokes to the extent allowed by adjustment of the needle valve 231. Alternatively, the needle valve may be completely closed into an adjacent end of check valve cartridge 485 thereby excluding fluid flow in both directions along the path designated by arrow 465.

In one embodiment (not shown) the bottom out chamber or “cup” is located proximate an end of the damping chamber corresponding to the hole through which the shaft enters that chamber. A “bottom out piston” surrounds the shaft and is axially movable relative thereto (there though). The primary damping piston includes a connector which connects it to the bottom out piston and the connector is capable of bearing tension between the two pistons but not compression. A simple embodiment of such a connector may comprise a flexible cable. The bottom out piston is forced into the bottom out cup by direct engagement of the “topping out” primary damping piston at near full extension of the shock absorber. In extended positions of the shock absorber the connector between the primary and bottom out pistons is slack. As the shock absorber is compressed to near bottom out position, the connector is placed in tension and begins to pull the bottom out piston from within the bottom out cup thereby creating a suction (or vacuum) within the bottom out cup. The bottom out cup includes a metering valve, in principle as described herein, for metering fluid through a path between (into) an interior of the bottom out cup (such interior formed by the cup and the engaged bottom out piston) and (from) the rebound chamber thereby relieving the vacuum while creating an increased damping effect near bottom out. It is contemplated that the “bottom out cup” and “bottom out piston” may include many varied embodiments while retaining adjustability.

Each dampening mechanism described is usable with a bottom out cup and piston to provide a variety of selectable and/or adjustable dampening options in a shock absorber near the end of a compression stroke (and some throughout either stroke) or beginning of a rebound stroke. Embodiments described herein may also be adapted to work with dampeners generally as if the bottom out piston 250 and the bottom out cup described herein where the dampening piston and cylinder. For example, active valve 350 can be initially set to permit a predetermined amount of fluid to flow between the cup and the compression portion 222 chamber 220 of the vehicle damping assembly 200. The blow-off valve 300, depending upon its setting, permits fluid flow in the event that pressure in the cup exceeds the threshold pressure of the blow-off valve circuit. Operation of the blow-off valve is in part determinable by the setting of active valve 350 as its more or less metering of fluid operates to lessen or increase, respectively, the fluid pressure in the bottom out cup. Also, the reversible check valve 475 in the hollow shaft can be arranged to reduce dampening in either the compression or the rebound stroke of the piston.

Referring still to FIGS. 3A-4D, in various embodiments of the present invention, damping assembly 200 includes a bottom out orifice 400 whose flow rate (or size of opening) is adjusted by the operation of nipple 370 of active valve 350, such that the flowrate of the fluid between the cup and the compression portion 222 of chamber 220 of the damper, via orifice 400 is automatically adjustable using active valve 350 to move nipple 370 closer to or further from orifice 400. In one such embodiment, active valve 350 is solenoid operated, hydraulically operated, pneumatically operated, or operated by any other suitable motive mechanism. Active valve 350 may be operated remotely by a switch or potentiometer located in the cockpit of a vehicle or attached to appropriate operational parts of a vehicle for timely activation (e.g. brake pedal) or may be operated in response to input from a microprocessor (e.g. calculating desired settings based on vehicle acceleration sensor data) or any suitable combination of activation means. In like manner, a controller for active valve 350 may be cockpit mounted and may be manually adjustable or microprocessor controlled or both or selectively either.

It may be desirable to increase the damping rate or effective stiffness of dampening assembly 200 when moving a vehicle from off-road to on highway use. Off-road use often requires a high degree of compliance to absorb shocks imparted by the widely varying terrain. On highway use, particularly with long wheel travel vehicles, often requires more rigid shock absorption to allow a user to maintain control of a vehicle at higher speeds. This may be especially true during cornering or braking.

One embodiment comprises a four-wheeled vehicle having dampening assembly 200 to automatically control the fluid flow between the cup and the compression portion 222 of chamber 220. As such, the damper is automatically adjustable using active valve 350 at each (of four) wheel.

For example, the opening size of orifice 400 which controls the flowrate of the fluid between the cup and the compression portion 222 of chamber 220 is automatically adjusted by active valve 350 (including, for example, a remotely controllable active valve). In one embodiment, each of the front shock absorbers may be electrically connected with a linear switch (such as that which operates an automotive brake light) that is activated in conjunction with the vehicle brake. When the brake is moved beyond a certain distance, corresponding usually to harder braking and hence potential for vehicle nose dive, the electric switch connects a power supply to a motive force generator for active valve 350 in the front shocks causes active valve 350 to automatically move body 355 and/or nipple 370 and cause nipple 370 to open, close, or partially close fluid flow through orifice 400.

In so doing, the reduction in fluid flow rate through orifice 400 increases the stiffness of that shock. As such, the front shocks become more rigid during hard braking. Other mechanisms may be used to trigger the shocks such as accelerometers (e.g. tri-axial) for sensing pitch and roll of the vehicle and activating, via a microprocessor, the appropriate amount of rotation of active valve 350 to cause nipple 370 to open, close, or partially close orifice 400 (and corresponding adjustment of the size of orifice 400 modifies the flowrate of the fluid between the cup and the compression portion 222 of chamber 220 for the corresponding dampening assembly 200) for optimum vehicle control.

In one embodiment, a vehicle steering column includes right turn and left turn limit switches such that a hard turn in either direction activates the appropriate adjustment of active valve 350 to cause nipple 370 to open, close, or partially close orifice 400 (and corresponding adjustment of the size of orifice 400 modifies the flowrate of the fluid between the cup and the compression portion 222 of chamber 220 for the corresponding dampening assembly 200) of shocks opposite that direction (for example, a hard, right turn would cause more rigid shocks on the vehicle's left side). Again, accelerometers in conjunction with a microprocessor (e.g., a comparer) and a switched power supply may perform the active valve 350 activation function by sensing the actual g-force associated with the turn (or braking; or acceleration for the rear shock activation) and triggering the appropriate amount of rotation of active valve 350 to cause nipple 370 to open, close, or partially close orifice 400 (and corresponding adjustment of the size of orifice 400 modifies the flowrate of the fluid between the cup and the compression portion 222 of chamber 220 for the corresponding dampening assembly 200) at a predetermined acceleration threshold value (e.g., a g-force).

FIGS. 4B-4D each illustrate a section view similar to that of FIG. 4A. As such, and for purposes of clarity, only the differences between each of FIGS. 4B-4D will be discussed. In FIGS. 4B-4D, active valve 350 is replaced with another configuration of an active valve (e.g., active valve 450 described in detail in FIG. 7). FIGS. 4B-4D also include an external reservoir 125 that is in fluid communication with the chamber 220 for receiving and supplying working fluid as the piston 210 moves in and out of the chamber 220. The external reservoir 125 includes a reservoir cylinder 416 in fluid communication with the compression portion 222 of chamber 220 via the fluid conduit 408. The external reservoir 125 also includes a floating piston 414 with a volume of gas on a backside 418 (“blind end” side) of it, the gas being compressible as the reservoir cylinder 416, on the “frontside” 412 fills with working fluid due to movement of the piston 210 into the chamber 220. Certain features of reservoir type dampers are shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,374,028, which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference.

FIG. 4B has an active valve 450 having a second configuration for controlling the bottom out (as described in detail in FIG. 7), external reservoir 125 and an (optional) non-active valve 479 for controlling the flow between the external reservoir 125 and the vehicle damping assembly 200 as indicated by flow arrows 444 b, in accordance with an embodiment. In one embodiment, active valve 450 is a live valve as described in further detail in FIGS. 5-7 while non-active valve 479 refers to a manual valve that may be adjustable but is not electronically adjustable. In one embodiment, active valve 450 will be actuated automatically based on actual terrain conditions. For example, active valve 450 is operated as discussed in FIGS. 5-7 to open, close or partially allow flow through orifice 400 to modify the flowrate of the fluid between the cup and the compression portion 222 chamber 220 of the vehicle damping assembly 200.

In one embodiment, the live operation includes an active signal received by a receiver at active valve 450 from a computing system. Thus, to meter (or adjust) the flowrate of the fluid between the cup and the compression portion 222 chamber 220 of the vehicle damping assembly 200, via orifice 400, the command would be provided from the computing system and received at active valve 450 which would then automatically open, close or partially allow fluid flow through orifice 400.

FIG. 4C is a section view similar to FIG. 4A with a non-active valve 479 controlling the bottom out and active valve 450 having a second configuration for controlling flow to the external reservoir 125, in accordance with an embodiment. In other words, a non-active valve 479 is used in place of the active valve 450 in the bottom-out configuration and an active valve 450 b is used to meter the fluid between the external reservoir 125 and the vehicle damping assembly 200 via fluid conduit 408. As discussed herein, active valve 450 b can open or close the flow path (e.g., fluid conduit 408) between the external reservoir 125 and the vehicle damping assembly 200 as indicated by flow arrows 444 b.

In one embodiment, active valve 450 b is a live valve as described in further detail in FIGS. 5-7 while non-active valve 479 refers to a manual valve that may be adjustable but is not electronically adjustable. In one embodiment, active valve 450 b will be actuated automatically based on actual terrain conditions. For example, active valve 450 b is operated as discussed in FIGS. 5-7 to open, close or partially allow flow through fluid conduit 408 to modify the flowrate of the fluid between the external reservoir 125 and the vehicle damping assembly 200.

In one embodiment, the live operation includes an active signal received by a receiver at active valve 450 b from a computing system. Thus, to meter (or adjust) the flowrate of the fluid between external reservoir 125 and the vehicle damping assembly 200, via fluid conduit 408, the command would be provided from the computing system and received at active valve 450 b which would then automatically open, close or partially allow fluid flow through fluid conduit 408.

FIG. 4D is a section view similar to FIG. 4A with an active valve 450 having a second configuration for controlling the bottom out and second active valve 450 b (which is similar to the active valve 350 and/or 450 as described herein, except that it is provided in fluid conduit 408 instead of orifice 400), in accordance with an embodiment. In FIG. 4D, external reservoir 125 is similar to external reservoir 125 of FIG. 4C in that active valve 450 b is provided in the fluid conduit 408 which can open or close the flow path between the external reservoir 125 and the vehicle damping assembly 200 as indicated by flow arrows 444.

In one embodiment, both the active valve 450 and active valve 450 b are live valves as described in further detail in FIGS. 5-7. In one embodiment, active valve 450 and/or active valve 450 b will be actuated automatically based on actual terrain conditions. For example, active valve 450 and/or active valve 450 b are operated as discussed in FIGS. 5-7 to open, close or partially allow flow through the different flow paths to modify the flowrate of the fluid through the different flow paths.

In one embodiment, the live operation includes an active signal received by a receiver at active valve 450 and/or active valve 450 b from a computing system. Thus, to adjust the flowrate of the fluid between the cup and the compression portion 222 chamber 220 of the vehicle damping assembly 200, via orifice 400, the command would be provided from the computing system and received at active valve 450 which would then automatically open, close or partially allow fluid flow through orifice 400. Similarly, the computing system can provide an active signal received by a receiver at active valve 450 b to adjust the flowrate of the fluid between the cup and the compression portion 222 chamber 220 of the vehicle damping assembly 200, via orifice 400, the would be provided from the computing system and received at active valve 450 b which would then automatically open, close or partially allow fluid flow through orifice 400.

Although two active valves are shown in FIG. 4D, it is understood that any number of active valves corresponding to any number of fluid channels (e.g., bottom out channels, external reservoir channels, bottom out channels, etc.) for a corresponding number of vehicle suspension dampers could be used alone or in combination. That is, one or more active valves could be operated simultaneously or separately depending upon needs in a vehicular suspension system. For example, a suspension damper could have one, a combination of, or each of an active valve(s) and or inert valves: for an internal bottom out, for an external bottom out, for a fluid conduit 408 to the external reservoir 125, etc. In other words, anywhere there is a fluid flow path within a damping assembly 200, an active valve could be used. Moreover, the active valve could be alone or used in combination with other active valves, and/or other inert valves, at other fluid flow paths to automate one or more of the damping performance characteristics of the dampening assembly. Moreover, additional switches could permit individual operation of separate active valves.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a control arrangement 500 for a remotely-operated active valve 350. As illustrated, a signal line 502 runs from a switch 504 to a solenoid 506. Thereafter, the solenoid 506 converts electrical energy into mechanical movement and rotates body 355 within active valve 350, In one embodiment, the rotation of body 355 causes indexing ring 360 consisting of two opposing, outwardly spring-biased balls 380 to rotate among indentions formed on an inside diameter of a lock ring 354.

As the body 355 rotates, nipple 370 at an opposite end of the valve is advanced or withdrawn from an opening in orifice 400. For example, the body 355 is rotationally engaged with the nipple 370. A male hex member extends from an end of the body 355 into a female hex profile bore formed in the nipple 370. Such engagement transmits rotation from the body 355 to the nipple 370 while allowing axial displacement of the nipple 370 relative to the body 355. Therefore, while the body does not axially move upon rotation, the threaded nipple 370 interacts with mating threads 390 formed on an inside diameter of the bore to transmit axial motion, resulting from rotation and based on the pitch of the threads 390, of the nipple 370 towards or away from an orifice 400, between a closed position, a partially open position, and a fully or completely open position.

Adjusting the opening of orifice 400 modifies the flowrate of the fluid between the cup and the compression portion 222 of chamber 220 thereby varying the stiffness of a corresponding dampening assembly 200. While FIG. 5 is simplified and involves control of a single active valve 350, it will be understood that any number of active valves corresponding to any number of fluid channels (e.g., bypass channels, external reservoir channels, bottom out channels, etc.) for a corresponding number of vehicle suspension dampers could be used alone or in combination. That is, one or more active valves could be operated simultaneously or separately depending upon needs in a vehicular suspension system. For example, a suspension damper could have one, a combination of, or each of an active valve(s): for a bottom out control, an internal bypass, for an external bypass, for a fluid conduit to the external reservoir 125, etc. In other words, anywhere there is a fluid flow path within a dampening assembly 200, an active valve could be used. Moreover, the active valve could be alone or used in combination with other active valves at other fluid flow paths to automate one or more of the damping performance characteristics of the dampening assembly. Moreover, additional switches could permit individual operation of separate active bottom out valves.

As discussed, a remotely-operable active valve 350 like the one described above is particularly useful with an on-/off-road vehicle. These vehicles can have more than 20″ of shock absorber travel to permit them to negotiate rough, uneven terrain at speed with usable shock absorbing function. In off-road applications, compliant dampening is necessary as the vehicle relies on its long travel suspension when encountering often large off-road obstacles. Operating a vehicle with very compliant, long travel suspension on a smooth road at road speeds can be problematic due to the springiness/sponginess of the suspension and corresponding vehicle handling problems associated with that (e.g. turning roll, braking pitch). Such compliance can cause reduced handling characteristics and even loss of control. Such control issues can be pronounced when cornering at high speed as a compliant, long travel vehicle may tend to roll excessively. Similarly, such a vehicle may include excessive pitch and yaw during braking and/or acceleration. With the remotely-operated active valve 350, the working size of orifice 400 is automatically adjusted thereby modifying the communication of fluid between the cup and the compression portion 222 of chamber 220 for the corresponding dampening assembly 200. Correspondingly, the dampening characteristics of dampening assembly 200 can be changed.

In addition to, or in lieu of, the simple, switch-operated remote arrangement of FIG. 5, the remotely-operable active valve 350 can be operated automatically based upon one or more driving conditions. FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a control system 600 based upon any or all of vehicle speed, damper rod speed, and damper rod position. One embodiment of the arrangement of FIG. 6 is designed to automatically increase dampening in a shock absorber in the event a damper rod reaches a certain velocity in its travel towards the bottom end of a damper at a predetermined speed of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the control system 600 adds dampening (and control) in the event of rapid operation (e.g. high rod velocity) of the dampening assembly 200 to avoid a bottoming out of the damper rod as well as a loss of control that can accompany rapid compression of a shock absorber with a relative long amount of travel. In one embodiment, the control system 600 adds dampening (e.g., adjusts the size of the opening of orifice 400 by causing nipple 370 to open, close, or partially close orifice 400) in the event that the rod velocity in compression is relatively low but the rod progresses past a certain point in the travel.

Such configuration aids in stabilizing the vehicle against excessive low-rate suspension movement events such as cornering roll, braking and acceleration yaw and pitch and “g-out.”

FIG. 6 illustrates, for example, a control system 600 including three variables: wheel speed, corresponding to the speed of a vehicle component (measured by wheel speed transducer 604), piston rod position (measured by piston rod position transducer 606), and piston rod velocity (measured by piston rod velocity transducer 608). Any or all of the variables shown may be considered by logic unit 602 in controlling the solenoids or other motive sources coupled to active valve 350 for changing the working size of the opening of orifice 400 by causing nipple 370 to open, close, or partially close orifice 400. Any other suitable vehicle operation variable may be used in addition to or in lieu of the variables discussed herein, such as, for example, piston rod compression strain, eyelet strain, vehicle mounted accelerometer (or tilt/inclinometer) data or any other suitable vehicle or component performance data.

In one embodiment, the piston's position within the damping chamber is determined using an accelerometer to sense modal resonance of the suspension damper. Such resonance will change depending on the position of the piston and an on-board processor (computer) is calibrated to correlate resonance with axial position. In one embodiment, a suitable proximity sensor or linear coil transducer or other electro-magnetic transducer is incorporated in the damping chamber to provide a sensor to monitor the position and/or speed of the piston (and suitable magnetic tag) with respect to a housing of the suspension damper.

In one embodiment, the magnetic transducer includes a waveguide and a magnet, such as a doughnut (toroidal) magnet that is joined to the cylinder and oriented such that the magnetic field generated by the magnet passes through the rod and the waveguide. Electric pulses are applied to the waveguide from a pulse generator that provides a stream of electric pulses, each of which is also provided to a signal processing circuit for timing purposes. When the electric pulse is applied to the waveguide, a magnetic field is formed surrounding the waveguide. Interaction of this field with the magnetic field from the magnet causes a torsional strain wave pulse to be launched in the waveguide in both directions away from the magnet. A coil assembly and sensing tape is joined to the waveguide. The strain wave causes a dynamic effect in the permeability of the sensing tape which is biased with a permanent magnetic field by the magnet. The dynamic effect in the magnetic field of the coil assembly due to the strain wave pulse, results in an output signal from the coil assembly that is provided to the signal processing circuit along signal lines.

By comparing the time of application of a particular electric pulse and a time of return of a sonic torsional strain wave pulse back along the waveguide, the signal processing circuit can calculate a distance of the magnet from the coil assembly or the relative velocity between the waveguide and the magnet. The signal processing circuit provides an output signal, which is digital or analog, proportional to the calculated distance and/or velocity. A transducer-operated arrangement for measuring piston rod speed and velocity is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,823 and that patent is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

While transducers located at the suspension damper measure piston rod velocity (piston rod velocity transducer 608), and piston rod position (piston rod position transducer 606), a separate wheel speed transducer 604 for sensing the rotational speed of a wheel about an axle includes housing fixed to the axle and containing therein, for example, two permanent magnets. In one embodiment, the magnets are arranged such that an elongated pole piece commonly abuts first surfaces of each of the magnets, such surfaces being of like polarity. Two inductive coils having flux-conductive cores axially passing therethrough abut each of the magnets on second surfaces thereof, the second surfaces of the magnets again being of like polarity with respect to each other and of opposite polarity with respect to the first surfaces. Wheel speed transducers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,986,118 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the logic unit 602 with user-definable settings receives inputs from piston rod position transducer 606, piston rod velocity transducer 608, as well as wheel speed transducer 604. Logic unit 602 is user-programmable and, depending on the needs of the operator, logic unit 602 records the variables and, then, if certain criteria are met, logic unit 602 sends its own signal to active valve 350 (e.g., the logic unit 602 is an activation signal provider) to cause active valve 350 to move into the desired state (e.g., adjust the flow rate by adjusting the distance between nipple 370 and orifice 400). Thereafter, the condition, state or position of active valve 350 is relayed back to logic unit 602 via an active valve monitor or the like.

In one embodiment, logic unit 602 shown in FIG. 6 assumes a single active valve 350 corresponding to a single orifice 400 of a single dampening assembly 200, but logic unit 602 is usable with any number of active valves or groups of active valves corresponding to any number of orifices, or groups of orifices. For instance, the suspension dampers on one side of the vehicle can be acted upon while the vehicles other suspension dampers remain unaffected.

While the examples illustrated relate to manual operation and automated operation based upon specific parameters, active valve 350 can be remotely-operated and can be used in a variety of ways with many different driving and road variables. In one example, active valve 350 is controlled based upon vehicle speed in conjunction with the angular location of the vehicle's steering wheel. In this manner, by sensing the steering wheel turn severity (angle of rotation), additional dampening (by adjusting the corresponding size of the opening of orifice 400 by causing nipple 370 to open, close, or partially close orifice 400) can be applied to one dampening assembly 200 or one set of vehicle suspension dampers on one side of the vehicle (suitable for example to mitigate cornering roll) in the event of a sharp turn at a relatively high speed.

In another example, a transducer, such as an accelerometer, measures other aspects of the vehicle's suspension system, like axle force and/or moments applied to various parts of the vehicle, like steering tie rods, and directs change to position of active valve 350 (and corresponding change to the working size of the opening of orifice 400 by causing nipple 370 to open, close, or partially close orifice 400) in response thereto. In another example, active valve 350 is controlled at least in part by a pressure transducer measuring pressure in a vehicle tire and adding dampening characteristics to some or all of the wheels (by adjusting the working size of the opening of orifice 400 by causing nipple 370 to open, close, or partially close orifice 400) in the event of, for example, an increased or decreased pressure reading. In one embodiment, active valve 350 is controlled in response to braking pressure (as measured, for example, by a brake pedal (or lever) sensor or brake fluid pressure sensor or accelerometer). In still another example, a parameter might include a gyroscopic mechanism that monitors vehicle trajectory and identifies a “spin-out” or other loss of control condition and adds and/or reduces dampening to some or all of the vehicle's dampers (by adjusting the working size of the opening of orifice 400 by causing nipple 370 to open, close, or partially close orifice 400 chambers) in the event of a loss of control to help the operator of the vehicle to regain control.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing an embodiment of a remotely operable active valve 450. Although FIG. 7 shows the active valve 450 in a closed position (e.g. during a rebound stroke of the damper), the following discussion also includes the opening of active valve 450. Active valve 450 includes a valve body 704 housing a movable piston 705 which is sealed within the body. The piston 705 includes a sealed chamber 707 adjacent an annularly-shaped piston surface 706 at a first end thereof. The chamber 707 and annular piston surface 706 are in fluid communication with a port 725 accessed via opening 726. Two additional fluid communication points are provided in the body including an inlet 702 and an outlet 703 for fluid passing through the active valve 450.

Extending from a first end of the piston 705 is a shaft 710 having a cone-shaped valve member 712 (other shapes such as spherical or flat, with corresponding seats, will also work suitably well) disposed on an end thereof. The cone-shaped member 712 is telescopically mounted relative to, and movable on, the shaft 710 and is biased toward an extended position due to a spring 715 coaxially mounted on the shaft 710 between the member 712 and the piston 705. Due to the spring biasing, the cone-shaped member 712 normally seats itself against a seat 717 formed in an interior of the valve body 704.

As shown, the cone shaped member 712 is seated against seat 717 due to the force of the spring 715 and absent an opposite force from fluid entering the active valve 450 along orifice 400 (of FIGS. 3B-3D). As member 712 telescopes out, a gap 720 is formed between the end of the shaft 710 and an interior of member 712. A vent 721 is provided to relieve any pressure formed in the gap. With a fluid path through the active valve 450 (from 703 to 702) closed, fluid communication is substantially shut off from the rebound side of the cylinder into the valve body (and hence through the bottom out back to the compression side) and its “dead-end” path is shown by arrow 719.

In one embodiment, there is a manual pre-load adjustment on the spring 715 permitting a user to hand-load or un-load the spring using a threaded member 708 that transmits motion of the piston 705 towards and away from the conical member, thereby changing the compression on the spring 715.

Also shown in FIG. 7 is a plurality of valve operating cylinders 751, 752, 753. In one embodiment, the cylinders each include a predetermined volume of fluid 755 that is selectively movable in and out of each cylindrical body through the action of a separate corresponding piston 765 and rod 766 for each cylindrical body. A fluid path 770 runs between each cylinder and port 725 of the valve body where annular piston surface 706 is exposed to the fluid.

Because each cylinder has a specific volume of substantially incompressible fluid and because the volume of the sealed chamber 707 adjacent the annular piston surface 706 is known, the fluid contents of each cylinder can be used, individually, sequentially or simultaneously to move the piston a specific distance, thereby effecting the dampening characteristics of the system in a relatively predetermined and precise way.

While the cylinders 751-753 can be operated in any fashion, in the embodiment shown each piston 765 and rod 766 is individually operated by a solenoid 775 and each solenoid, in turn, is operable from a remote location of the vehicle, like a cab of a motor vehicle or even the handlebar area of a motor or bicycle (not shown). Electrical power to the solenoids 775 is available from an existing power source of a vehicle or is supplied from its own source, such as on-board batteries. Because the cylinders may be operated by battery or other electric power or even manually (e.g. by syringe type plunger), there is no requirement that a so-equipped suspension rely on any pressurized vehicle hydraulic system (e.g. steering, brakes) for operation. Further, because of the fixed volume interaction with the bottom out valve there is no issue involved in stepping from hydraulic system pressure to desired suspension bottom out operating pressure.

In one embodiment, e.g., when active valve 450 is in the damping-open position, fluid flow through orifice 400 provides adequate force on the member 712 to urge it backwards, at least partially loading the spring 715 and creating fluid path 701 from the orifice 400 into a rebound portion 134 of the vehicle damping assembly 200.

The characteristics of the spring 715 are typically chosen to permit active valve 450 (e.g. member 712) to open at a predetermined bottom out pressure, with a predetermined amount of control pressure applied to port 725, during a compression stroke of vehicle damping assembly 200. For a given spring 715, higher control pressure at port 725 will result in higher bottom out pressure required to open the active valve 450 and correspondingly higher damping resistance in orifice 400 (more compression damping due to the bottom out). In one embodiment, the control pressure at port 725 is raised high enough to effectively “lock” the bottom out closed resulting in a substantially rigid compression damper (particularly true when a solid damping piston is also used).

In one embodiment, the valve is open in both directions when the valve member 712 is “topped out” against valve body 704. In another embodiment however, when the valve piston 705 is abutted or “topped out” against valve body 704 the spring 715 and relative dimensions of the active valve 450 still allow for the cone member 712 to engage the valve seat 717 thereby closing the valve. In such embodiment backflow from the rebound side of the chamber 220 to the compression side is always substantially closed and cracking pressure from flow along orifice 400 is determined by the pre-compression in the spring 715. In such embodiment, additional fluid pressure may be added to the inlet through port 725 to increase the cracking pressure for flow along orifice 400 and thereby increase compression damping through the bottom out over that value provided by the spring compression “topped out.” It is generally noteworthy that while the descriptions herein often relate to compression damping bottom out and rebound shut off, some or all of the bottom out channels (or channel) on a given suspension unit may be configured to allow rebound damping bottom out and shut off or impede compression damping bottom out.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart 800 of an example method of operational incorporation for an active bottom out valve operation in accordance with an embodiment. Although, a number of uses can and will be realized as active valve 450 is utilized to provide an active valve or semi-active valve bottom out zone, the following is one of a plurality of possible examples that could utilize the many additional capabilities that have heretofore remained unavailable to a manually adjustable bottom out zone.

In one embodiment, during tuning of a suspension and specifically each shock absorber 100 of the suspension, the ride zone portion of the shock absorber is setup to have low damping and the bottom out zone has a heavier damping (than the ride zone portion) to prevent bottom out on square edge hits when the electronics can't respond. However, large discrepancies in the damping settings between the ride zone and the BOC can cause the transition between the two damping settings to become noticeable and intrusive.

Without active valve 450 in the BOC (e.g., in a manual adjustable BOC), a compromise tune is utilized between the damping characteristics of the main piston and the damping characteristics of the BOC to reduce the feel during the damping transition between the ride zone and the BOC.

In one embodiment, by utilizing at least one active valve 450 in shock absorber 100, the tuning of the damping characteristics of the ride zone portion and/or the bottom out zone of the shock absorber 100 can be tuned with significantly less compromise than the manually adjustable setup.

For example, when there is an active valve 450 that provides adjustable damping to the BOC, the bottom out zone damping can electronically vary based on terrain and/or rider behavior. For example, more damping when the system/rider/mapping prioritizes bottoming resistance and less damping when the system/rider/mapping prioritizes quality feel. Moreover, because of the location of the active valve 450 in the BOC there is minimal hysteresis effect and the adjustments of the active valve 450 could occur very quickly.

In another embodiment, when there is plurality of active valve 450, e.g., an active valve that provides adjustable damping to the damping portion and one that provides adjustable damping to the BOC, the ride zone damping and the bottom out zone damping can be jointly and/or independently varied based on terrain, rider behavior, speed, feel, etc. That is, more ride zone and/or bottom out zone damping when the system/rider/mapping prioritizes bottoming resistance and less ride zone and/or bottom out zone damping when the system/rider/mapping prioritizes quality feel.

At 810, the initial suspension tune setting is established. E.g., in one embodiment, the initial tune sets the ride zone portion of the shock absorber range of operation has low damping and the BO zone portion of the shock absorber range of operation to have heavier damping (than the ride zone portion) to prevent bottom out on square edge hits.

At 820, the active valve 450 BOC (or damping or both bottom out and damping) setting(s) is checked (as described in detail in FIGS. 5-7) for its present damping characteristic settings and is adjusted as needed.

At 830, the bottoming resistance is prioritized and the damping of active valve 450 is adjusted to provide more damping.

At 840, the quality feel is prioritized and the damping of active valve 450 is adjusted to provide less damping.

Although a single flowchart is shown, it should be appreciated that the flowchart 800 could be similarly utilized by each of a plurality of active valves within the single shock absorber; by every of a plurality of active valves within the single shock absorber; by an active valve in each of a plurality of shock absorbers within a vehicle suspension; by a plurality of active valves in a plurality of shock absorbers within a vehicle suspension; by every active valve in a plurality of shock absorbers within a vehicle suspension; and by every active valve in every shock absorber within a vehicle suspension.

The foregoing Description of Embodiments is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form described. Instead, example embodiments in this Description of Embodiments have been presented in order to enable persons of skill in the art to make and use embodiments of the described subject matter. Moreover, various embodiments have been described in various combinations. However, any two or more embodiments could be combined. Although some embodiments have been described in a language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed by way of illustration and as example forms of implementing the claims and their equivalents. 

What we claim is:
 1. A damper for a shock absorber comprising: a damper chamber divided by a piston and shaft into a compression portion and a rebound portion; a bottom out control feature at an end of the compression portion; a fluid flow path formed in the bottom out control feature for providing fluid communication from the bottom out control feature to the compression portion of the damper chamber during a compression stroke of the damper; and an active valve coupled with said fluid flow path, said active valve to meter a fluid flow of a working fluid through said fluid flow path.
 2. The damper of claim 1, wherein the active valve can be adjusted between a closed position and a plurality of open positions.
 3. The damper of claim 2, wherein said working fluid flows through said fluid flow path from the bottom out control feature to the compression portion of the damper chamber at a first flow rate when said active valve is in a completely open position.
 4. The damper of claim 3, wherein said working fluid flows through said fluid flow path from the bottom out control feature to the compression portion of the damper chamber at a second flow rate when said active valve is in a partially open position, the second flow rate is less than said first flow rate.
 5. The damper of claim 2, wherein none of said working fluid flows through said fluid flow path from the bottom out control feature to the compression portion of the damper chamber when said active valve is in said closed position.
 6. The damper of claim 1, further comprising: a blow-off valve coupled with said bottom out control feature via a second fluid path and coupled to said compression portion, said blow-off valve configured for selectively allowing a portion of said working fluid to flow, from said bottom out control feature, through said second fluid path and to said compression portion.
 7. The damper of claim 6 wherein said blow-off valve and said active valve operate independently of each other.
 8. The damper of claim 1, wherein said active valve comprises: a body having a male hex member; and a nipple having a female hex profile bore, the female hex profile bore having mating threads formed on an inside diameter thereof, the male hex member of the body extends into the female hex profile bore of the nipple, a rotation of the body causes the nipple to move toward or away from an orifice of said fluid flow path to meter the fluid flow of the working fluid through said fluid flow path.
 9. The damper of claim 1, further comprising: a control system coupled to said active valve, said control system comprising: a sensor to obtain vehicle acceleration sensor data associated with a movement of a vehicle component of a vehicle; a comparer to compare a value of said vehicle acceleration sensor data with a predetermined acceleration threshold value that corresponds to said vehicle component; an active valve monitor to monitor a state of said active valve, wherein said state controls a damping force within said damper; and an activation signal provider to, based on said comparing and said monitoring, actuate said active valve to meter said fluid flow of said working fluid through said fluid flow path, such that a damping characteristic of said damper is modified.
 10. A damper for a shock absorber comprising: a damper chamber having a compression portion and a rebound portion; a dampening piston coupled to a piston shaft, said dampening piston disposed in said damper chamber and axially movable relative to said damper chamber, said dampening piston separating said compression portion from said rebound portion; a bottom out piston coupled to said piston shaft, said bottom out piston disposed in said damper chamber and axially movable relative to said damper chamber; a bottom out cup formed at a lower end of said damper chamber; said bottom out cup to hold a working fluid and receive said bottom out piston during a compression stroke of said shock absorber, wherein said bottom out cup comprises an upper end having a diameter that tapers outwards; a blow-off valve coupled with said bottom out cup via a first fluid path and coupled to said compression portion, said blow-off valve to selectively allow a first portion of said working fluid to flow from said bottom out cup, through said first fluid path and to said compression portion; an active valve coupled with said bottom out cup via a second fluid path and coupled to said compression portion, said active valve to meter a fluid flow of a second portion of said working fluid from said bottom out cup, through said second fluid path and to said compression portion; an external reservoir in fluid communication with the rebound portion of the damper chamber via a third fluid path, the external reservoir to receive and supply the working fluid as the damping piston moves in and out of the damper chamber; and a non-active valve coupled with said third fluid path, the non-active valve having a flow path therethrough, the non-active valve manually adjustable to meter a flow of said working fluid through said third fluid path.
 11. The damper of claim 10, wherein the active valve can be adjusted between a closed position and a plurality of open positions.
 12. The damper of claim 11, wherein said working fluid flows through said second fluid path from the bottom out cup to the compression portion of the damper chamber at a first flow rate when said active valve is in a completely open position.
 13. The damper of claim 12, wherein said working fluid flows through said second fluid path from the bottom out cup to the compression portion of the damper chamber at a second flow rate when said active valve is in a partially open position, the second flow rate is less than said first flow rate.
 14. The damper of claim 11, wherein none of said working fluid flows through said second fluid path from the bottom out cup to the compression portion of the damper chamber when said active valve is in said closed position.
 15. The damper of claim 10, wherein said blow-off valve and said active valve operate independently of each other.
 16. The damper of claim 10 further comprising: a fourth fluid path, said fourth fluid path formed in an interior of said piston shaft, said fourth fluid path providing fluid communication between said bottom out cup and said rebound portion of said damper chamber.
 17. The damper of claim 16, wherein said fourth fluid path extends through a bore in said piston shaft, said bore formed coaxially with a centerline of said piston shaft.
 18. The damper of claim 17, wherein a first end of said fourth fluid path terminates at a lower end of said bottom out piston, and a second end of said fourth fluid path terminates at an aperture in said piston shaft, said aperture in said piston shaft leading into said rebound portion of said damper chamber.
 19. The damper of claim 10, further comprising: a control system coupled to said active valve, said control system comprising: a sensor to obtain vehicle acceleration sensor data associated with a movement of a vehicle component of a vehicle; a comparer to compare a value of said vehicle acceleration sensor data with a predetermined acceleration threshold value that corresponds to said vehicle component; an active valve monitor to monitor a state of said active valve, wherein said state controls a damping force within said damper; and an activation signal provider to, based on said comparing and said monitoring, actuate said active valve to meter said fluid flow of said working fluid through said second fluid path, such that a damping characteristic of said damper is modified.
 20. A damper for a shock absorber comprising: a damper chamber having a compression portion and a rebound portion; a dampening piston coupled to a piston shaft, said dampening piston disposed in said damper chamber and axially movable relative to said damper chamber, said dampening piston separating said compression portion from said rebound portion; a bottom out piston coupled to said piston shaft, said bottom out piston disposed in said damper chamber and axially movable relative to said damper chamber; a bottom out cup formed at a lower end of said damper chamber; said bottom out cup to hold a working fluid and receive said bottom out piston during a compression stroke of said shock absorber, wherein said bottom out cup comprises an upper end having a diameter that tapers outwards; a blow-off valve coupled with said bottom out cup via a first fluid path and coupled to said compression portion, said blow-off valve to selectively allow a first portion of said working fluid to flow from said bottom out cup, through said first fluid path and to said compression portion; a first active valve coupled with said bottom out cup via a second fluid path and coupled to said compression portion, said first active valve to meter a fluid flow of a second portion of said working fluid from said bottom out cup, through said second fluid path and to said compression portion; an external reservoir in fluid communication with the rebound portion of the damper chamber via a third fluid path, the external reservoir to receive and supply the working fluid as the damping piston moves in and out of the damper chamber; and a second active valve coupled with said third fluid path, the second active valve having a flow path therethrough, the second active valve to meter a flow of said working fluid through said third fluid path.
 21. A damper for a shock absorber comprising: a damper chamber having a compression portion and a rebound portion; a dampening piston coupled to a piston shaft, said dampening piston disposed in said damper chamber and axially movable relative to said damper chamber, said dampening piston separating said compression portion from said rebound portion; a bottom out piston coupled to said piston shaft, said bottom out piston disposed in said damper chamber and axially movable relative to said damper chamber; a bottom out cup formed at a lower end of said damper chamber; said bottom out cup to hold a working fluid and receive said bottom out piston during a compression stroke of said shock absorber, wherein said bottom out cup comprises an upper end having a diameter that tapers outwards; a blow-off valve coupled with said bottom out cup via a first fluid path and coupled to said compression portion, said blow-off valve to selectively allow a first portion of said working fluid to flow from said bottom out cup, through said first fluid path and to said compression portion; a non-active valve coupled with said bottom out cup via a second fluid path and coupled to said compression portion, said non-active valve manually adjustable to meter a fluid flow of a second portion of said working fluid from said bottom out cup, through said second fluid path and to said compression portion; an external reservoir in fluid communication with the rebound portion of the damper chamber via a third fluid path, the external reservoir to receive and supply the working fluid as the damping piston moves in and out of the damper chamber; and an active valve coupled with said third fluid path, the active valve having a flow path therethrough, the active valve to meter a flow of said working fluid through said third fluid path. 